The injuries just keep on coming early in this NHL season and there seems to be no end in sight. Luckily, there are a few guys on the mend. Lets jump right in and see who is about to get back on the ice for your squads.
Imminent Returns:
Jonathan Toews –C – Chicago Blackhawks
While Toews is finally back on the ice after getting knocked into next week by Vancouver’s Willie Mitchell, he is still a day or two from playing. Give him a couple of days and a game or two to get his feet back under him, but be sure to have him in your lineup for next week.
Patrick Elias – LW – New Jersey Devils
Still practicing, Elias is only a day or two away and he may even return on Friday against the Islanders, or Saturday vs. Ottawa. Get ready to activate him and enjoy his new Center Position to go with his Left Wing eligibility.
A WEEK OR TWO AWAY:
Roberto Luongo – G – Vancouver Canucks
Luongo is slowly healing from his cracked rib and has started skating again. However, he’s at least a week a away, maybe two, as he is still feeling discomfort in the rib area. Keep Luongo reserved and enjoy Raycroft’s able substitution this far if you picked him up.
Joe Pavelski – C – San Jose Sharks
Out since October 5th with a broken foot that required surgery, Pavelski is close, but not close enough. He’s probably a game or three away from playing.
Marian Hossa – RW – Chicago Blackhawks
Hossa has not not been cleared for contact, but he is participating in non-contact drills in practice. He is just shy of two weeks away from returning.
OUT 2 – 4 WEEKS:
Evgeni Malkin – C/LW – Pittsburgh Penguins
Malkin got on the ice the other day – in tennis shoes and sweatpants. Not close to practicing, he goofed around with teammates while passing the puck around. Previous advice still stands, but add Pascal Dupuis to your watch lists – he has buried a few pucks on the re-designed 2nd line with Jordan Staal and Ruslan Fedotenko the past few games and could be useful in deeper leagues if he keep this up.
OUT 4 - 6 WEEKS:
Michael Grabner – C – Vancouver Canucks
The talented Rookie was recalled to fill the injury void in Vancouver created by Daniel Sedin’s injury and other bumps and bruises. Unfortunately, the Speedy youngster broke his ankle during the pregame soccer game the players use as a warmup. He’ll be on the shelf 4-6 weeks, so don’t expect much out of the Kid this year.
Kari Lehtonen – G – Atlanta Thrashers
Lehtonen has had more back surgery and now he’s gone for an additional 4-6 weeks. Ugh. Forget about that guy and hope Pavelec can continue to carry the load.
Tags: Add new tag, blackhawks, Canucks, chicago, Elias, hossa, injured, IR, luongo, malkin, pavelski, penguins, sharks, toews, Vancouver
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